Application Process and Fees

Applicants must pay any required fee and comply with any conditions attached to a Licence.

Our Riding Establishment fees include the initial veterinary cost.

Any additional veterinary costs will be invoiced separately. In the case of the Local Authority issuing a Provisional Licence for three months, an additional inspection fee would be applicable.

The licence fee is dependent on the number of horses kept:

Riding Establishment Fees

Number of Horses

Fee

1-10 Horses

£355

11-25 Horses

£435

26-40 Horses

£535

Over 40 Horses

£670

Provisional Licence (3 months)

£130

For new applications only, applicants may pay 5% less when making an application. If you do, you would then be invoiced for this amount plus £20 for the additional administration cost, when the licence has been issued.

Before deciding an application we will consider a report from a Veterinary Surgeon or Practitioner detailing whether the premises are suitable for a Riding Establishment and detailing the conditions of the premises and any horses.

We will also take into account whether the applicant is suitable and qualified to hold a Licence. We must also be satisfied of the following:

That consideration will be given to the condition of the horses and that they will be maintained in good health, kept physically fit and where the horse is to be ridden or used during riding instruction, be suitable for that purpose

That the animals feet will be trimmed properly and that shoes are fitted properly and are in good condition

That there will be suitable accommodation for the horses

That for horses maintained on grass there is suitable pasture, shelter and water and that supplementary feed will be provided as and when needed

That horses will be provided with suitable food, drink and bedding materials and will be exercised, groomed, rested and visited at suitable intervals

That precautions will be taken to reduce the spread of contagious or infectious diseases and that veterinary first aid equipment and medicines will be provided and maintained

That appropriate procedures are in place to protect and remove the horses in the case of a fire and that as part of this the name, address and telephone number of the Licence Holder is displayed outside the premises and fire instructions are displayed

That storage facilities for forage, bedding, stable equipment and saddlery are provided

In addition to any other conditions a Riding Establishment Licence must be subject to the following conditions:

That any horse inspected by an authorised Officer and found to need veterinary attention will not be returned to work until the Licence Holder has obtained a veterinary certificate confirming the horse is fit for work

That a horse will not be let out for hire or for use in instruction without the supervision of a responsible person aged 16 years or older, unless the Licence Holder is satisfied the rider doesn't require supervision

That the business will not be left in the charge of someone under 16 years of age

That the Licence Holder holds indemnity insurance

That the Licence Holder keeps a register of all horses in their possession that are three years old or younger and that the register is available for inspection at all reasonable times

Failed Application Redress

An applicant whose application is refused can appeal to the local magistrates' court.

Licence Holder Redress

Please contact us in the first instance.

A Licence Holder who wishes to appeal against a condition can appeal to a local magistrates' court.

Consumer Complaint

We would always advise that in the event of a complaint the first contact is made with the trader by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery). If that has not worked Gov.uk can offer advice on Consumer Direct (external link).